By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute is set to host the 16th edition of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges.
The event which would be under the Chairmanship of His Lordship, Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour CFR, retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
According to the statement issued and signed by the Head of Public Relations of the NSC, Rakiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju, said the seminar will take place at Ladi Kwali Centre, Sheraton Abuja Hotel, from 5th – 7th July, 2022.
It reads, “As the industry arbiter, it is the mandate of the Council to ensure judicial officers, legal and maritime practitioners as well as Legal Advisers and in-house counsel in the employ of public and private sectors of the economy are abreast of contemporary issues in this special areas of the law that has to do with adjudication on maritime matters”.
“The 16th edition, which would have taken place in 2020, was postponed due to the global lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, promises to be engaging and enriching. “It is expected to generate tremendous awareness on contemporary developments in shipping and International Trade”.
The statement continued “The Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. While The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki will be the Chief Host.
Continuing, “An array of eminent jurists, erudite scholars and seasoned Maritime/Legal practitioners from the judiciary, foreign experts from Kenya and Australia will deliver papers aimed at addressing several burning and complex issues bedeviling the maritime industry”.
According to the statement, “Topics include;
A. Application of Torts and Bailment in Bill of Lading Contracts;
B, Current Issues in Port Operations (Standard Operating Procedure in ports and arising legal issues, Nigerian Customs E-Vin Valuation Method, matters arising);
C. Current Issues in Maritime Adjudication and Practice (The Challenges of simple Contracts in the adjudication of maritime claims in Nigeria; ‘Sui Generis’ in Admiralty and the Jurisdiction over Crew wages in Nigeria; and Cargo Clearance & the Limits of Admiralty Jurisdiction.);
D. Security of the Maritime Domain (Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea): Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, Matters Arising;
E. Case Management in the Resolution of Maritime Disputes: Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration and the use of Technology and
F. Stress Management.
Participants at the seminar includes Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Judges of the Federal and States High Courts, Legal Advisers, in-house Counsel, Legal and Maritime Practitioners as well as industry stakeholders.
Other distinguished dignitaries expected at the occasion include The Chief Justices of The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone and South Africa along with some Justices/Judges of these countries’ respective judiciaries.
